After visiting the Tank Museum I spent the night in Bournemouth and from there I drove to Cardiff the following day. This was quite a long drive and was half on backroads some so narrow only one car could drive down them. I saw one road sign that said “No Coaches or HGV, you will get stuck” and that was not an idle threat hahaha. I came here to visit the Royal Mint. It was established in the year 886 and has produced coins for over 200 countries and entities across its centuries-old history, beginning with foreign coinage in 1325 for Bordeaux. From 2025 it only produces coins for the UK. They also make special coins and jewelry and are pioneers in extracting gold from used circuit boards. The future of coins is uncertain. A very interesting history. No photos allowed inside the mint.
I learnt something new today. I assumed the UK Mint was in London, near the Bank of England. Wrong. The UK Mint is in Cardiff Wales. The Penny Mini is a treasure but imagine if it was a Sovereign Mini. Well worth driving away! The crates of loose change must have required a truck load of piggy banks. Pink Floyd was a sensational band, but how many fans can afford a 1oz gold coin? Interesting post. Thanks Chris.
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